Level 3 Certificate in Marine & Offshore Safety

1. Introduction to Marine & Offshore Safety Reviews the scope of marine and offshore operations, safety culture, and industry best practices.

2. Offshore Safety Regulations and Standards Explains IMO, ILO, OSHA, and flag‑state regulations governing offshore safety.

3. Offshore Emergency Response and Preparedness Covers muster stations, lifeboat drills, helicopter evacuation, and offshore emergency planning.

4. Risk Management in Marine Environments Reviews hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies specific to marine operations.

5. Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) Explains international PSSR standards, crew responsibilities, and safe working practices.

6. Fire Safety on Ships and Offshore Platforms Covers fire hazards, suppression systems, and explosion prevention offshore.

7. Marine Environmental Protection Reviews MARPOL regulations, spill prevention, and sustainable marine practices.

8. Safety Management Systems in the Maritime Industry Explains the ISM Code, auditing, and continuous improvement frameworks.

9. Safety Procedures for Handling Hazardous Materials Covers safe storage, transfer, and disposal of hazardous substances at sea.

10. Accident Investigation in Marine and Offshore Operations Reviews root cause analysis, reporting, and lessons learned from incidents.

• Builds competence in marine and offshore safety practices

• Enhances compliance with international maritime and offshore safety standards

• Strengthens skills in risk management, fire safety, and emergency response

• Provides tools for environmental protection and sustainable offshore operations

• Offers recognized certification to support career progression in marine and offshore safety roles

• Offshore rig workers and marine crew members

• HSE officers and safety coordinators in offshore operations

• Contractors and service providers in the maritime and offshore industry

• Students and early‑career professionals in marine engineering and offshore safety

• Individuals preparing for advanced offshore safety and environmental management qualifications

• Assessment Type: Written exam + case study + practical simulation

• Format: MCQs, short answers, applied case study, and offshore safety drill

• Total Questions: 60 theory + 1 case study + 1 practical simulation

• Passing Score: 70%

• Duration: 2 hours (written) + 1 day (practical)

• Certification: Level 3 Certificate in Marine & Offshore Safety

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.